With the aim of achieving full and equitable access and participation in science for all women and girls, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed February 11 as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
Even today, women encounter different barriers (some obvious, and others much more subtle) that hinder their presence in science, something that is especially evident in the choice of scientific and technological studies by girls.
According to UNESCO, globally, female students pursuing higher education in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) only represent 30%. Worldwide, women’s presence is particularly low in the field of information and communication technology (ICT), at 3%. Natural sciences, mathematics, and statistics account for 5% of women, and engineering and construction account for 8%.
The celebration of this day is an opportunity to organize activities that help visualize the work of both female scientists and scientific-technical profiles. It is an occasion to provide female role models in these fields; to focus on the need to bridge the existing gender gap.
Activities for #11F
This year, nearly 600 students from 11 educational centers in the municipalities of Blanes, Lloret de Mar, Palafolls, Malgrat de Mar, Tordera, Palafrugell, and Barcelona are participating in the activities organized by CEAB on the occasion of this commemoration.
Specifically, twelve of our researchers will go to classrooms of 3rd and 4th of ESO (Secondary Education) and 1st of Bachillerato (High School) to discuss together gender stereotypes, talk about the scientific work they carry out daily, how they became interested in their respective fields, and how they oriented their studies and professional careers, emphasizing that women and men are equally capable of contributing to scientific and technological excellence.
The talks take place between February 7 and 13, both inclusive. They are conducted by researchers from various disciplines such as marine biology, limnology, theoretical ecology, or mathematics.
Apart from the sessions in schools, CEAB is also conducting a social media campaign around this date. In our Instagram profile, we will introduce some still little-known concepts, which name the numerous barriers that women still encounter just because of being women.
The ultimate goal of the activities is to raise awareness about the need to promote an equal scientific and technological environment and to promote that girls can choose their careers without being conditioned by gender stereotypes.
